COMMUNITY HOSPITALS ASSOCIATION Information

The Community Hospitals Association (CHA) was established in 1969 and is a unique voice for community hospitals - their services, staff, patients and communities. The CHA is a membership organisation which supports community hospitals in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We are dedicated to sharing knowledge and experience on the role, function and potential of community hospitals. We also share information throughout our networks on the contribution that community hospital services make to the health and wellbeing of patients and communities. The CHA is: • Promoting the role and contribution of Community Hospitals • Supporting national and international research • Maintaining a database of Community Hospitals in the UK • Holding an Annual Conference • Distributing a quarterly newsletter • Networking with members • Showcasing innovation and good practice in our annual programme • Providing support from our volunteer committee CHANT/CHAMP/CHARM We have three main areas of work. CHANT Community hospitals acting nationally together. We support communities and individuals to have a voice. CHAMP Community Hospitals Association improving practice. We support a community of practice, and promote innovation and best practice through our annual programme of awards. We hold regular conferences and workshops to share ideas and learn about new models of care and new ways of working. CHARM Community Hospitals Association research and media. We support research and evaluation, and undertake to disseminate information and evidence on community hospitals. The CHA values its partnerships with organisations such as academic institutions, think tanks, benchmarking organisations, and those concerned with the patient and community voice.